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High stakes of waiting game

It’s Rupert Murdoch’s move in an increasingly tricky game of poker. Should he leave his offer for BSkyB on the table in the hope that it will eventually win? He faces lengthening odds against success.

The proposal is in stasis, while a Competition Commission inquiry is held into its impact on media freedom. The first inkling we’ll get of the panel’s view will be in 16 to 18 weeks’ time, when it publishes its preliminary findings. A final recommendation to Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary, will follow in the new year.

Mr Murdoch could simply wait for that verdict. However, David Cameron has indicated that the Government will back Labour’s call for News Corp’s offer to be withdrawn.